Iran Slashes Hormuz Traffic 96% to Gain Leverage in US-Israel War
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 7
Iran Slashes Hormuz Traffic 96% to Gain Leverage in US-Israel War
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 7
Summary
IMF PortWatch data showed only about four ships a day crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the week to Aug. 2, down from about 90 a year earlier, while estimated cargo volume fell to 143,000 metric tonnes from 3.5 million.
That sustained 96% drop suggests Tehran is already using disruption—not necessarily a formal closure—to raise shipping risk, insurance costs and freight rates across a corridor that carried nearly 20 million barrels a day in 2025.
Asia is most exposed: about 80% of Hormuz oil flows head there, with China and India taking 44% of crude moving through the strait, while Qatar and the UAE also ship nearly one-fifth of global LNG through it.
The pressure reaches beyond oil, threatening fertiliser supplies for India and helium flows critical to semiconductor, medical and research industries, giving Iran leverage over food, energy and manufacturing chains.
Iran's leverage is limited by self-harm—94% of its foreign trade moves through southern ports—and by incentives for Gulf states and importers to expand bypass pipelines, reserves and alternative energy sources.